Jewett Bevador Cooler

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The Jewett Bevador Giant Circular Cooler

The Bevador cooler is a beast, but yet a very interesting item! With the dome top it measures 7’ 6” tall and weighs in at 1050 pounds. It was produced in the 1950’s by the Jewett Refrigerator Co. of Buffalo, NY. Inside the cooler are seven revolving adjustable shelves. The door has five feet of white neon tubes between the glass. We owned one of these and considered restoring it several times but never got around to it. I have seen them restored as Coke bottles, but our idea was to take off the top and restore it like the 1960’s Coca-Cola Diamond pattern can. The one we owned was just in too bad a shape to do anything with so we sold it ‘as is’.

I believe the company is still in business and manufactures blood refrigeration cabinets. I’m not 100% sure, so if anyone has any information please blog-in and let us know.

100 responses so far ↓

I own a bar/restaurant and have had one these coolers in service for the 25 years my wife and I have owned the place. It was in use when we bought the place in 1984 and the previous owner had it in operation for at least 25 years before that.

I am interest in obtaining a latch set for mine. The door side of the latch has a part broken that holds the pin that holds the handle in place.

The info I have on these are that there were 11 of them made for the 39 worlds fair on treaure island san francisco. There are two in working condition that look like wood wine bottles in a little restaraunt in san rafael called Le Chalet Basque http://www.chaletbasquemarin.com/ if you go to there site you can see it in the corner on page 6 of the indoor seating. If anyone owns one and is in the market of getting rid of it let me know.

Karen,
We aren’t able to give estimates on the value of an item. If you keep an eye on Ebay or Craig’s List, your item is sure to be listed at some point. That may give you a rough idea of it’s value but keep in mind prices vary greatly depending on condition. If anyone can help with a value of this item please comment.

I saw one of these at a bar in Hammondsport, NY this weekend and am completely intriguiged by it. I want to learn as much about as possible about them and the company that made them. It’s top label says Beerador, not Bevador. The bartender at Maloney’s Irish Pub told me they had latch problems, also. I do not know if they repaired it with authentic parts or not.

I am interested in purchasing a Bevador or Beerador for a concept I am putting together. Email me if a) you have one to sell or b) know where I can find one. I am in the Chicago area, but would be happy to travel to pick one up.tjcallahan@lbdpartners.net

This seems to be a common problem with Bevadors, and a lot of people are looking for parts to fix the handle. Unfortunately, we don’t have any recommendations of where to buy the parts. If anyone can help out with this, please comment.

the bar i goto in a town in ohio. call lutchs cafe has 1 thats working. bar owner has owned the bar for almost 30 years and its was there when she bought the place.. it still works. had the motor fixed on it some 20 years back. its not in use. just a storage unit atm. unsure what its worth. its pretty much the way it was purchase except the painter painted it to match the bar. but im pretty sure it being latex paint that i’ll come off with ease. anyone got any info on what its worth its a model number b550 and i believe it had a top on it @ one time. the top is gone on this one.

I have a Beerador model that is and has been in working operation in the bar I now own since the 1960s. The previous owner took it out of the bar in the 80s and had it painted to match the then local brewery here in La Crosse Wisconsin. i too have a missing pin for the door handle. any ideas? We use the heck out of the cooler and get a lot of comments about it. Adam

I have a Bevador in my warehouse in Cincinnati. It has had the paint stripped down to the metal. Comes with all the shelves casters ect. I had one shelf chromed. Motor works, but it doesn’t get cold anymore. Handle works fine. Neon lights work fine. Make an offer. Can email pics. Mike

I have a cooler that I would be willing to sell AND the latch works. Unfortunately the the top that formed the bottle neck is missing. Other than that its in working condition. Came out of the oldest inland Yacht club in America.danwhite59@frontiernet.net

I have 2 Beeradors that were working up to last year. I disconnected them when I had to move them. One glass pane is broke in one they both have a few dents paint is pretty much off the coolers themselves but still on the tops and the caps. Latches work all the shelves castors etc are there. They both are for sale I’m located in Southwest PAedward_mckee@hotmail.com

We recently acquired a Bevador that came out of a bar in Collins NY. It retains the original sheet metal top that houses the compressor, and has the lazy Susan shelving. We are located near canton OH and asking 3800.00. Email for information and pictures! Oakgriffin[at]yahoo.com

We have a Bevador Cooler with the bottle cap on it still works fine. Used every day in my father In-law’s bar, In Western Pa Bolivar. He is very interested in selling it. One just recently sold on tv to a Bar in the south Side of Pittsburgh Pa for $30,000 and it didn’t even work. I have Pictures if anybody is interested. Email me

I have a fully restored Bevador . It was in a bar I purchased in 1983. I lost the clips with the rollers on them (that hold the shelves up) during the restoration.. If anyone knows where to get them, send me an e-mail. Thanks Jkm

my wife and i have a small tavern/restaurant in Brockport Pa. called the B.P.Inn that has been in our family since 1927..we have a bevador that is in perfect condition and working order. it’s a fixture here. it is a big conversation piece…

I have a bevador for sale bought it in 1990 to restore it was working at the time. All the parts are there except the shelf rollers and no top. The neon worked last time I tried it, has a few dents in the sides, door glass is intact.

I have a Bevador in working order (not in use) for purchase. We are located in Delaware. All shelving, rollers, glass and hinges, latches in great shape. For serious offers, please contact me by email or on cell 302 670-0010. Would love to see someone enjoy it.

We have a bevador cooler for sale. There is a leak in the receiver that holds the extra freon. It has been working in our tavern for the last 50 years. Estimates to fix it were around 400 to 500. We are located in Berwyn, il. If interested please feel free to e-mail.

I just bought a Bevador from an old bar in chicago two weeks ago. I paid $300 for it. It’s complete but the latch is incorrect. I’m getting ready to restore it but mine has NO neon. Where is the neon you guys are talking about? I mean physically on the fridge, were does the neon go?

I own a BLOOD BANK built by: The Jewett Refrigerator Company, INC. Buffalo 13 N. Y., USA
It’s in working order, has 5 revolving shelves and needs a transformer for the neon light. I’m interested in restoring it. Any one have information on it? How old? What it’s worth? Yeah, I know it’s not a Bevador.

I have a Bravado for sale in Texas ! its complete , Its actually sold to a real nice fellow ! it works is 300.00 a fair price ? its a little rough ! can send pics. Any comments any help would be appreciated .806-290-6738

Ok ,my Bevador Jewett 1950s model refrigerator is for sale . i am asking 1000.00 firm ! The price i was asking was way off .email me and i can send pics ! edbright1@att.net or call 806-290-6738 its in the panhandle of texas ! can ship but it would be close to 600dollars to ship ! ps noeleskew hit me back if still interested .

I used to work at the Jewett Refrigerator Co on Letchworth Ave in Buffalo. The BB1 and BB2 were for Blood storage and had very controlled cooling devices. I worked in the office in the Engineering Dept. They also manufactured mortuary and autopsy equipment. All stainless. There was also a division called Ruslander & Sons that manufactured custom restaurant kitchen equipment. I have seen many of the BB1 and BB2 units – they are very popular as beer coolers since the shelves rotate and the units have such a large storage capacity. In fact I tend bar part time and the place I work has one; and yes, the handle is broken. LOL

friends of mine bought a little bar that has a bevador cooler that still being used model 60-4, sn1554 they want to restore it someone used paint brush and painted it an ugly green. is there somewhere can get info on that cooler.

I own a lounge in Pittsburgh and have an original Bevador. It’s in pretty good shape and have the top and shelves. It does, however have a dent in the side that can be removed, and it is currently not running, but was told it worked for years up to two years ago when I bought the business. I was also told it wouldn’t take much to get it running again…maybe freon? I’m asking 10,000 for it since the preveous owner was offered 20k for it and turned them down. I would have help him load it in the truck if that offer was made to me……My e-mail is info@eclipseloungepgh.com 10/21/12

I have a Bevador that was working up til I bought the business two years ago. I’m in Pittsburgh and taking offers for it. info@eclipseloungepgh.com or 412.874.3333. I can send pictures. It is in original condition but has a dent in the side that can be fixed.

I have one of these complete, glass shelves and is painted as a Blue Ribbon Bottle of beer. I am a Retired Akron Policeman and it is time to sell it, make me an offer. I live in Akron Ohio 330 867 8200.

…we are currently restoring a round top Bevador cooler at Rick’s…the hinges and latch were made by a company called Kason Hardware Corporation…I don’t know if these are the original pieces but they are still available from kasonind.com…and we got more of the shelf supports (rollers) from a gentleman named Mike who posted them in this column…

My wife & I ran a B&B for 15yrs. We used our Bevador for all that time. We want to sell for $3,500.00. It must be picked up. It’s dented on one side but works fine. Just e-mail and we will see.
Thanks
Joe Mjandg1@fairpoint.net

I am looking to obtain pictures of the Bevador Cooler, does anyone know how to track down the copyright owners to these ads. OR does anyone have any vintage photos of this Bevador Cooler in use? Please email me at erin.caulfield@leftfieldpictures.com

I run a beer bar in New York, and we have a Bevador packed with beer. I found this site when two of the rollers broke the same week, looking for parts. Mike, who posted above, is great to work with, fast, and the rollers are incredible. Mike–many thanks for saving me an incalcuable number of headaches!

I have a Jewett Beerador bottle cooler for sale. It is wrapped in the 50th Anniversary Oktoberfest USA can from Old Style. It is by far my best cooler with the rotating metal shelves. But to do business I want to remodel the bar and expand the kitchen. Any takers? Sloopyslax@gmail.com. Adam 6083869560

I have bevador not sure about the history, but looking to remodel the bar and considering to sell it . We currently are using it and in is in great working condition. In the Toledo Ohio area. Please email if you are interested. Mrstaite@gmail.com

I have recently decided I do not have the time needed to restore the Bevador cooler I have, therefore I am putting it up for sale to someone who has the time to restore, or to someone(s) who are in need of parts.
The top is with the cooler, the hinges and the door latch ( seems to be a very problem areas ) are complete and work. The door and the glass in it are intact, was running when unhooked approx. 3 yrs ago.
If intrested in it, let me know, and to what capacity ( whole or parts.. ), I will e-mail pics upon request as well as any information you may want/need ( serial #’s, model ect..) let me know as well…
I will cannot deliver, nor arrange shipping ( due to I work out of town alot ), that is upto you. My e-mail is oldfield70@gmail.com I live in Central N.Y. ( Utica area ).

We have a Jewett blood bank refrigerator for sale. It looks like a Bevador without the bottle top (looks more like a can). It has a tag at the top that says ‘Blood Bank Refrigerator’ We used for years as our fridge, but don’t need it any more. Still works fine! Pictures are available but can’t post them here. 613-358-5486 detlor4@yahoo.ca

I have a bottle top Bevador that was working up til I bought the business three years ago. I’m in Pittsburgh and taking offers for it. info@eclipseloungepgh.com or 412.874.3333. I can send pictures. It is in original condition but has a dent in the side that can be fixed and a little light rust. The motor works, but running warm…freon? I have a sign on it for 5k, but will consider offers over 3k. Thanks

I am very very interested in purchasing a Bevador or Beerador Refrigerator and have cash. I am
Located in Colorado and can arrange to have the unit picked up and or shipped! I prefer a working unit with the “Beer Bottle Top” and all the circular shelving, but I am open to looking at ANY unit.

Hello and thanks to one and all for your info on this site. I am a very serious and motivated buyer for a Bottle Top Beerador in any condition. I’m willing to pay top dollar and could arrange shipping. I am also interested in any Restoration Shop info anyone could provide to get the unit put in to impeccable shape, and possibly even slightly customized with Yuengling Beer decor.

I have a Bevador in upstate NY that is in working order, original paint, neon, etc. I was offered $4,500. No idea of value. Should I have taken the money? Interested in selling, but what’s one worth? I never see them for sale.
Taking offers, email petfenceguide@gmail.com for pics.